Balancing the Rights of Poliitcal Extremists in a Democracy

Summary: An analysis of the role democratic governments should play in overseeing the rights and actions of politcal extremists.

Throughout history every democratic society has had political extremists, whether they are violent or non-violent. Political extremists, or radicals, are people who desire to change their society drastically. Some people argue that we should restrict the activities of extremists to the full extent, while others believe that extremists should be allowed to express their views freely. Extremists are an essential part of our society but must not force their views upon others.

Completely restricting extremist movements or activities in a democratic government undermines our basic democratic beliefs. The fundamental part of democracy is the freedom to speak. Hindering people from expressing their views contradicts democracy. Preventing people from voicing their opinions makes us more communist then democratic. Although extremists have radical and controversial views we must let them speak what they believe. In communist Russia during Stalin's reign people were not...